He regarded me, that same tender look coming over his face. “Unless we’re not acting.”
Nerves filled my stomach, and I swallowed the unexpected anxiety racing up my throat.
Then he laughed.
“I like teasing you, Ally. You make it too easy.” He shook his head as he looked back at the magazine. “If nothing else, my mother and Aunt Sherry are going to be pleased when they see this. They’ll think I’m finally on the straight and narrow, and I have Mr. Mayer to thank. This was a good deal he worked out for us.”
I swallowed the strange disappointment I felt and nodded. “I couldn’t agree more.”
This was all for show. Not only did I need to keep telling myself that, but I needed to believe it. I wasn’t just playing around with my life in 1929. I also had a life in 1849, with people who depended on me. I wasn’t sure what would happen before my birthday, or where I would end up staying.
Especially when the history books claimed I would marry Sam.
Something I still couldn’t fathom.
11
September 15, 1849
San Francisco, California
It had been two weeks since Bess’s funeral, and life had taken on a natural rhythm as Sam had taught me to prepare basic recipes for the restaurant. Between meals, Hazel and Johnnie helped with the chores, and then we spent an hour or so on schoolwork with Father before they were allowed time to play.
Father’s strength continued to improve, and he was able to spend longer periods of time out of bed. He still tired easily, but his spirits were high, and that was all that mattered.
Sam and Paddy worked on the San Francisco Hotel and Restaurant between meals, but Sam came back to Bess’s Place to make sure I had enough help to serve. He’d hired extra men to get the new building ready in record time and told me that they were just a few weeks away from being done. I wasn’t sure if he’d taken out a loan, and I wouldn’t ask.
Father was resting and Sam and Paddy were at the new hotel as I stood on the porch of Bess’s Place, watching people passing by on Montgomery Street. Across from me was the brothel and hotel Sadie owned. She didn’t serve meals, so many of the men crossed the street from one building to the next when it was time to eat.
Hazel had a copy of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales open on a table and was reading out loud to Johnnie. The book was illustrated, and they loved to look at the pictures as Hazel read.
Cole exited Sadie’s place, like he did at this time on most days. I’d been watching, trying to learn his schedule, hoping to speak to him.
My pulse sped at the idea of approaching him now, but I might not get another opportunity.
“I’ll be gone for a few minutes,” I said to Hazel and Johnnie. “Don’t leave this room until I return.”
Even though I rarely left them, they didn’t seem concerned.
Closing the door behind me, I glanced up and down the street to make sure there were no threats—and that Sam wasn’t nearby.
The morning was quieter than usual, and no one seemed to notice or care about my presence on the street.
Cole had his hands in his pockets and his face turned down, as if deep in thought. I didn’t want to draw too much attention, but I also didn’t want to stray far from Bess’s Place, knowing I wasn’t safe without the protection of its walls around me.
Crossing the street, I watched, hoping Cole would notice me.
Finally, he lifted his gaze and paused when he saw me approaching.
I wasn’t even sure what I was going to ask or what he could tell me, but I needed to know more about him and Bess.
“Miss Adams,” he said, pulling his hands out of his pocket and crossing his arms. “Now, isn’t this a pleasant surprise.”
My heart was beating so fast, I was afraid it would burst out of my chest. “May I have a word with you, Mr. Goodman?”
He scratched his head and looked across the street at Bess’s Place. “I can’t decide if I want Sam Kendal in a rage or not.” He lifted an eyebrow and then smiled. “Who cares about Sam? I got Jim on my side, and Sam can’t touch me.” He moved closer, as if we were going to have an intimate conversation. “What can I do for you, pretty lady?”
I stiffened, my instincts telling me to pull back, though I had approached him.
